COM200: Interpersonal Communication

COM200: Interpersonal Communication
I. Introduction AND Thesis Statement
If you’re having difficulties writing a thesis, use the thesis generator in the Ashford Writing Center – https://awc.ashford.edu/writing-tools-thesis-generator.html. Remember, a thesis should make a claim – a definitive statement – about some issue. Here is an example: Effective communication is the most important factor in a successful relationship. Without it, chances are, a relationship will fail.
1) Explain the principles of and barriers to effective interpersonal communications. (You don’t have to list the objectives in this order, but be sure you cover all of them.)
A. Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces your topic. All other sentences in the paragraph should support this statement.
B. Supporting Evidence: This is where you should be using an academic source to help make your point. Remember, you are asked to use FIVE resources total, for the final and you should be ready to list three here. Two of the three you should have found on your own. While not required, it is advised that you use five in the outline.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (e.g. Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
C. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
D. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
2) Analyze the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem.
a. Topic Sentence: Again, this sentence introduces the topic of your paragraph. All other sentences in the paragraph should support this statement.
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).

c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
3) Differentiate appropriate levels of self-disclosure and emotional intelligence in various relationships.
a. Topic Sentence: Remember, in this one, you are required to cover two topics. You will likely need at least two paragraphs, with two topic sentences.
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).

c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Explanation:
e. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
4) Describe strategies for using communication techniques to resolve interpersonal conflicts.
a. Topic Sentence:
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
5) Analyze the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communications.
a. Topic Sentence:
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
6) Conclusion – Thesis statement revisited with highlights of your key points.
Sample References
Schoenberg, N. (2011, January 17). Can we talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in happy marriages. McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Retrieved from ProQuest Newsstand. Document ID: 2240370261
Bevan, J. L., & Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication (2nd ed.) [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

Instructor’s Name
Date (Sample March 19, 2014)
I. Introduction AND Thesis Statement
If you’re having difficulties writing a thesis, use the thesis generator in the Ashford Writing Center – https://awc.ashford.edu/writing-tools-thesis-generator.html. Remember, a thesis should make a claim – a definitive statement – about some issue. Here is an example: Effective communication is the most important factor in a successful relationship. Without it, chances are, a relationship will fail.
1) Explain the principles of and barriers to effective interpersonal communications. (You don’t have to list the objectives in this order, but be sure you cover all of them.)
A. Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces your topic. All other sentences in the paragraph should support this statement.
B. Supporting Evidence: This is where you should be using an academic source to help make your point. Remember, you are asked to use FIVE resources total, for the final and you should be ready to list three here. Two of the three you should have found on your own. While not required, it is advised that you use five in the outline.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (e.g. Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
C. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
D. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
2) Analyze the role of communication in developing and maintaining one’s self-concept, self-image, and self-esteem.
a. Topic Sentence: Again, this sentence introduces the topic of your paragraph. All other sentences in the paragraph should support this statement.
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).

c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
3) Differentiate appropriate levels of self-disclosure and emotional intelligence in various relationships.
a. Topic Sentence: Remember, in this one, you are required to cover two topics. You will likely need at least two paragraphs, with two topic sentences.
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).

c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Explanation:
e. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
4) Describe strategies for using communication techniques to resolve interpersonal conflicts.
a. Topic Sentence:
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
5) Analyze the impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communications.
a. Topic Sentence:
b. Supporting Evidence: The best papers will use an academic source and personal experience.
i. If you have more than one point, use a separate line for each.
ii. And don’t forget citations (Bevan & Sole, 2014, p.75).
c. Explanation of the central points from the article(s): Avoid just using a quote from a source. Explain what you think the author means.
d. Why does this matter generally? Why does this matter for your couple?
6) Conclusion – Thesis statement revisited with highlights of your key points.
Sample References
Schoenberg, N. (2011, January 17). Can we talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in happy marriages. McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Retrieved from ProQuest Newsstand. Document ID: 2240370261
Bevan, J. L., & Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication (2nd ed.) [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/